CityLight this week! 6/4/2010

Dear CityLight Family,

I trust that you had a great Easter and have been challenged to live deeply in the LIFE Jesus' is inviting us into!

I needed to pass on a few updates & prayer points to you concerning CityLight.

Have a blessed week!

Patrick + Ivetka


This week at CityLight:

Prayer Meeting: Wednesday @ 7:30pm at the Higgins home (Mateja Bela 8). If you can't come but have prayer requests that you want us to pray for email them to patrickivetka@gmail.com.

DigDeep: Postponed until next week (16.4)

Special Service (April 18th) : Palisady Baptist church has invited CityLight to lead their Sunday evening service on the 18th. This will be at 6pm at their church building (Palisady 27) This gives us a nice opportunity to bless & to deepen fellowship this Baptist congregation which has been really helpful to us (...we rent our facility from them!) More details to follow this Sunday.

CityLight Videos / Pics: Just click links...

CityLight 2009

Passover 2010

Jelka outreach


Kid's Ministry: It looks like we will have an additional room for the kids! A nice answer to prayer! The current plan is to divide the little ones (under 4 yrs) and older children (5-12yrs). This plan will fine tuned as we go, so be patient. For all this to work we really need your assistance. The older kids will continue having a rotation of teacher teams (so please sign up teachers!) and the younger ones I would suggest a rotation of mommies who can take turns keeping an eye on them (any volunteers for this week?!) We are also praying for another group for the 11-15 age group, but this is still in process.. so pray for it!

Easter Sunday 2010

Easter at CityLight was quite a bit different then our usual worship services... but very good it it’s own way. In other cities Christmas & Easter would be “big church days,” but in Bratislava it seems to be the times where people split and head for their hometowns to celebrate with family. So, we had a much smaller group and more kid oriented. Chad did a great job reading the kids the Easter story. Erik shared his testimony of walking with Jesus since Easter 10 years ago! All in all it was a special time. (Thanks Kieko for the pics!)








The kids watched this as well....

treasure hunt

Recently we went with the Hovokovci family on a GPS hunt... which is a upgraded version of a treasure hunt. Our wanderings lead us to a hilltop in Austrian in sight of Bratislava. On top was a huge tower which we climbed then explored the forest to discover a treasure cache in an abandoned castle lost in the forest. The guys had a blast!

Ready on the set...

Apparently my neighborhood is the new Hollywood of Bratislava... two days of film crews outside my window.

Passover 2010

At CityLight Church we had a Passover celebration which was a great time of shared experience of memory, redemption, and hope. Plus a lot of fun, food, and fiesta!

CityLight church in 2009!

A quick review of some, but not all, of the highlights at CityLight church in 2009! All glory to God!

CityLight 23/3 Update

Dear City Light Family,

Lots of changes this week and a few events on the way...so check it all out below. Also, please keep each other in prayer this week (see list).
　
This week at City Light:

Time Change: remember to forward your clocks one hour this Saturday...otherwise you will be part of the set up crew for City Light on Sunday.... we could use the help :)

Men's Breakfast: This Saturday @ 9am. More HERE.

Passover: Next Wednesday (31/3) at 6pm we will have a Passover celebration. If you & a friend would like to participate you must RSVP ( patrickivetka@gmail.com ) by Sunday 28/3 at the latest. More info HERE.

Dig Deep: Wrestling with Gen 4 this week.
Where? Higgins Home (Mateja Bela 8)
When? Friday 26/3
Time? 7:30pm
RSVP: chadshively@gmail.com

Love One Another: I was told this week about a local family that some of us are praying for that is having some real financial difficulties. John says, "..Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth." (1Jn 3:18). So, I was thinking a good response would be to set out a box at church this next Sunday. If you want to fill it with non-perishable food items to simply bless this family that would be awesome!

Sunday School: We would like to have the rest of April's Children's ministry teaching rotation filled up. Open dates are: 18/4, 25/4, 2/5.

If you can cover any of these dates please email: patrickivetka@gmail.com

CityLight News / Prayer 5/3

Dear CityLight family,

I just needed to forward a few urgent announcements, a few less urgent ones, and community prayer requests.
Blessings,

Patrick + Ivetka

Dig Deep: Bible study is postponed until next week (12/3)

HELP: We are in critical need of individuals (in teams of two) to join into the teaching rotation for Sunday School. Anyone can do it - you don't even have to have kids to try it! All materials are provided. Please pray for this ministry, it is really one of the most important parts of the church!

Upcoming openings/dates/themes:
7/3 - Jesus & the Pearl of Great Price (Matt.13)
21/3 - Jesus, the Vine (Jn 15)
28/3- Jesus, Our Hero (Jn 18-19)
4/4 - Easter Sunday: Jesus has Risen! (Jn 20 -21)

Sign-up: send a quick email to patrickivetka@gmail.com

Important for parents: If you have children in the program we would encourage you to join in the teaching rotation. Without your help we won't be able to provide this service for your children week after week. Together we can really invest well into the life of our children as a community. Pray about it, choose a date and simply sign up!

Guest Speaker: on March 14th pastor Laci Gyugyi, from Calvary Chapel Esztergom (HU), will share the Word with us... get ready, it's going to be good!

Recent Teachings + Videos:
21.2 Fearfully & Wonderfully Made
28.2 Rest for Your Soul

Men's Breakfast: March 20th at 9:00 am.... DETAILS
　
Prayer requests:
1) Erik: Time management, greater involvement in the ministry, provision of a good mate!
2) Kathir: Quick return to SK (pray for visa), possibly end of this month!
3) Aki + Kieko: Healing of back ache, continued health for Kieko, provision at work, Mahiro to have a good self-confidence based on Jesus not other's opinions.
4) Alberto: wisdom in making decisions for their time in the USA. Good spiritual health of the missions he serves in. Salvation for new friend, Michael.
5) CityLight: Direction how we can as a church can best serve one another, the Sunday school, Slovak speakers, and unbelievers who visit the church.
6) Yveta M.: God to bring her children Jakub & Linda to church.
7) Ivetka: protection, strength, grace as she experiences many spiritual attacks.
8) Carol & Fred: Daughter Emily - direction & wise decisions as a baby Christian, acceptance to MIT (university). Carol- success in current work project.
9) Patrick: More time to spend more time in the Word & serving at CityLight, protection against attacks, provision in work (renewed contract). Confirmation of a possible trip to China.

CityLight Update Feb 17th

Dear CityLight family,

Here are some quick announcements & prayer requests for this week. May the Lord empower you to be His “image bearers” to those around you this week!
Blessings,

Patrick + Ivetka
　

this week at CityLight...

Dig Deep: Home group exploring topics in Genesis Topic: “Big Bang- Round 2!” (Gen. 2)
When: February 19
Where: Shively Home,
Zálužická 3
Time: 7:30pm-9:30
RSVP: chadshively@gmail.com / 0917.236.843
Note: No child care

PS: Lots of questions came up durring Dig Deep. I wanted to challege you on one of the,. Think about it, search the Scriptures, and bring an answer on Friday.


Q: "If God is the Light, then what is the darkness in Gen 1:4? Can God be switched off? Why did He seperate it? What should it teach us, what can we draw from it?”

Men’s Breakfast:

This Saturday at 9AM... more info HERE.

PS... Tom is back!







New Prayer Points:

1) Yvetta M. : quick recovery after operation, strength, blessing at work.
2) Ivetka: protection, strength, grace as she experiences many spiritual attacks.
3) Mike+Heather: wisdom and trust as they move forward to serving in Thailand.
4) Patrick: Strength, time management, more time in the Word, protection against attacks.
Healing from sickness (and for the boys as well!)
5) Kathir: Salvation for his father, Lennin. Witness to co-workers & housemates.
6) Erik: Wisdom how to serve a new friend Oto who has many needs in his life.
7) Aki + Kieko: Provision at work, the baby to turn, good health
8) Praise: Tom is back!
9) Silvia + Ilga: blessings as they lead the weekly women’s study
10) Aylwin + family: blessed time reconnecting with family, safe trip back to SK, and a good adjustment for the kids as they will “battle” jet lag & time differences.

Citylight Update: Feb 4th

Dear CityLight Family,

This Wednesday we had Prayer+Worship and it was great - all of you were prayed for! During the prayer time God gave a verse:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:1-3

Pray through it, think on it, live it out!

Below is a list of current prayer needs - let's lift one another up! Also, we have a few announcements that simply can't wait until Sunday. Enjoy!

Blessings,
Patrick + Ivetka

this week at CityLight...

"In the Beginning": Launching a new teaching series this Sunday through Genesis 1-12. Join us as we discover how good is our God, His creation, and His love for us! Bring your Bibles, and open heart, and a friend.

Dig Deep: Home group exploring topics in Genesis
Topic: “Big Bang- what happens when smart ideas collide” (Gen. 1-2:14)
When: February 12
Where: Shively Home, Zálužická 3
Time: 7:30pm-9:30
RSVP: chadshively@gmail.com / 0917.236.843
Note: No child care

Mike+Heather: Have asked us all for prayer concerning their decision about upcoming service in Thailand. They sent a letter to CityLight church that I would like to share with you. You can view it HERE, the password is: Missions
Read, pray, and enjoy!

Sunday School: As the adults move into the theme of Genesis starting this Sunday, the kids will begin exploring the Creation as well. We are still in need of Sunday school teachers and would love to see all parents (or parents-to-be) sign up to be a part of the teaching rotation. Think, pray, sign up!

New Prayer Points:
1) Alberto: Focus on Jesus in the midst of trials. Open doors that no one can shut! Fruitful Slovak Bible study this Friday.
2) Ivetka: protection, strength, grace as she experiences many spiritual attacks.
3) Mike+Heather: wisdom and trust as they move forward to serving in Thailand.
4) Patrick: Strength, time management, more time in the Word, protection against attacks.
Fruitful teaching this Sunday at IBCB (AM) & kicking off Genesis at CityLight.
5) Kathir: Salvation for his father, Lennin. Witness to co-workers & housemates.
6) Erik: strength, healing his back pains, how to help his friend Oto who is getting out of prison very soon. Salvation and healing for Oto.
7) Heather: strength & focus in the midst of busy life.

8) Tom J: Safe travel back to SK on the 9th.

CityLight Update: 25.1.10

Dear CityLight Family,

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him...but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit" 1 Cor. 2:9-10

Do you realize that God has great things prepared or you? Hold on to that promise this week and ask Him to show you what is your part in His great Story! And while you are asking, think about the rest of us and bring some request to our good Father (see prayer list below). Thanks!

Thank you all for just loving one another with the love of Jesus. It's such a blessing to be rubbing shoulders with you all...

Blessings,
Patrick + Ivetka

ps. A BIG thanks to all our recent Kid's ministry teachers (Aki, Kieko, Peter, Silvia) you guys are awesome!


This week at CityLight

Upcoming Event: Dig Deep : Discussions in Genesis...talk/think/live

Sunday School: We are always in need of adding to the rotation of teachers. Join the team in leading the kids in exploring the Parables of Jesus. Materials are provided, we just need YOU! If you want to get involved email: patrickivetka@gmail.com

Haiti - Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti. CityLight will donate to the cause to help with relief work via the fund set up by the Slovak Baptist Union. For more info (SK) on the funded projects: Haiti Relief

Pics - Great pictures of you all from January. Thanks Kieko and others!

Recent Teachings: Catch up on what we have been studying on Sundays (text/video) :

3.1.10 Hebrews 12 “Strip down”
10.1.10 Hebrews 12:14-29 “Esau Syndrome”
17.1.10 Hebrews 13 “Continue in Love”

Prayer:
1. Melo - prayer for salvation for Lubo+Edna, Dusan+Zuska. A new flat to rent. More open doors to minister in BA.
2. Danka - Mother: solid salvation, improved relationship with the rest of her family
3. Chad - Open doors to continue his theological education: location, $, all details!
4. Mike+Heather: Next steps direction from the Lord.
5. Aki + Kieko- Next phase in work. The baby to turn, successful delivery in April. Fruit from the recent witness to two Japanese families
6. Sunday School - helpers + ministry to older youth
7. Tom+Debbie: The Minnesota Twins winter festival is 29-31 January. We will be participating and praying for divine contacts with one or two players-ex players who would be interested in following through in helping to get a baseball field built in Devinska. For meetings at three colleges to share the vision for summer (or longer) internships. For Katka, Erik and other volunteers as they continue working with our kids in Devinska.
8. Viki & Jacques - perseverance and success in their thesis writing
9. Yvetta M. - health, rest during vacation, and free time to come to church
10. Cida - rest & open schedule to be able to come to church.
11. Aylwin - good adjustment back to SK for family. Bigger worship team.
12. Erik - Salvation for Oto who is in prison in Austria.

A little help

I was gathering some materials for the kids ministry and couldn't pass this up...

Hebrews 13 "Continue in Love"

Hebrews 13 "Continue in Love"

The Way of Jesus is not a lonely journey. We walk it together as a community. As we wake up to the fact that Jesus is more than enough (better then prophets, angles, Moses...you name it) we simply have to respond. That is why the writer of Hebrews challenges us with the phrase "Let us...". A series of specific ways we as a faith community react to the grace of God in our lives. (see Hebrews 10:22-25; 12:1-3, 28)

Now it's one thing to start a journey, it's another thing to finish it well. I think that's why in Hebrews 13 we are bombarded with a series of last minute encouragements to "Keep on", "Don't forget", and "Remember." The message is simply- continue.

But "continue" in what? "Let brotherly love continue" (v1). Jesus demonstrated true love, instructed us in it, and commanded us to live it (Jn 13). If you are a disciple of Jesus you already have the seeds of His love in your heart, but will you live it out in the world? Will we as a church live dangerously and let His love work it's way through us in service to others?

In verses 2-6 we are challenged with four practical ways that we as a community can respond to Jesus' grace and continue in love. They revolve around these words - Hospitality, Empathy, Honor, and Contentment. But who really wants to let people into your private life and provide for their needs? Or rub shoulders with the down and out? Keep a lid on our lust? Or not charge now, pay later when the urge comes on for that new fill in latest burning desire here? But this is what we are called to, the way of Love, the way of Jesus.

Struggling with this?

Remember: God is with you, on your side (v5). Delight in Him and He will bring contentment. Don't forget leaders (parents, friends, teachers, pastors) who have invested in your life. Model them, follow them, obey the truths they planted in you (v17-19). And of course continue on in the reality that Jesus is the same all the time - He is good and He is for you! (v8). Identify with Him (v11-14) and be strengthened by His grace (v9).

Result: as WE continue on in love we will find ourselves putting a smile on the Father's face (v15-16).

Hebrews 12:14-29 "Esau Syndrome"

Have you been experiencing a bad case of "Esau Syndrome" lately? You know, that impulsive desire of "trading God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite"? Well, you are in good (?) company - some Hebrew Christians were in the same boat as you a few thousand years ago (Check out Hebrews 12:14-29... yes, do it now!) They, like us, were a sorry bunch of people who were easily satisfied with less, when much more was offered by God. They were encouraged to not "miss the GRACE of God" (v15).

So what are the symptoms of "Esau Syndrome"? A lack of grace (God's favor, joy, pleasure) which results in an invasive and infectious form of bitterness (v15). The common side effects are pride, legalism, loss of freedom, judgmental accusations, unforgivness, strife, and a general friction and brokenness.

The cure? Jesus.

It's so easy to catch "Esau Syndrome." But the cure is ever-present and offered to us, simply the grace of God. Despite how many times we fail and fall head over heels for things that never fully quench our thirsts, His grace is always there. He can cover your stains, remove your shame, rewrite your name, and make something beautiful even out of me.

Check out is video “GRACE” It really sums up the theology of Grace in a way that many preachers miss:

Hebrews 12 "Strip down, Shoot straight"

Sometimes you have get rid of extra baggage (emotional, relational.. and good old fashion "stuff"). Sometimes "less is more" in this spiritual journey with Jesus. As we simplify we are able to gain a uncanny focus on what is important and take in views from heights not normally seen. That seems to be the message in Hebrews 12 - "Strip down, Shoot straight, Stand tall." And all of it is in the context of "Let us" - specific responses to Jesus that we do together as a community.

Jules Verne wrote a novel "The Mysterious Island" which tells of a Civil War prison break via a hot balloon (think: cool gadgets of 007 or Batman). The 5 inmates are carried far out over the ocean and the balloon is slowly descending into the deep. The save themselves they begin to strip off everything that is not essential until its simply them hanging from the ropes of the balloon... (you will have to pick up the book to finish the story). But the point is - when survival and success are on the line you really begin to evaluate what is important. In our faith journey we also have to strip ourselves of "stuff."

Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to get rid of anything that slows us down from running to Jesus (responsibilities, relationships, ministries, ideas, enter your "pet" here _________.)
It also speaks about not getting tangled up in sin... an easy thing to do. But as we begin to remove or untangle ourselves from these distractions we begin to gain focus, things... actually HE, Jesus, begins to become clearer and clearer. And its at that point that we are pressed to "fix our eyes on JESUS" (v3).

All of this is easier said then done - right? I think that is why the author of Hebrews slipped in the part "run with perseverance the race marked out for you." Perseverance is not in some of our vocabularies. We like instant photography, soup, coffee, gratification, and results. We are part of the "Why wait when I can charge it now?" culture. But we could use a bit more perseverance in our lives and the qualities of patience, endurance, and steadfastness that come with it. If you make an honest try at this whole Jesus Journey you will realize it's not as easy as it sounds. You might even get weary and start to loose heart. So, how can we persevere? The Scriptures tell us to "consider Jesus" and what he endured and that in that meditation of His life we will find strength to press on.

Also don't forget that you are not alone in this race. The Father is running alongside you, wanting to support you and help you finish even when you would rather give up and fail.
Below is a video clip of Derek Redmond (Barcelona 1992) whose amazing run demonstrates the spirit of persevering and the Fathers love for us. Enjoy, be inspired, run the race to win!

CityLight Update Jan 12th

Dear CityLight Family,

I hope you are all doing great this week. I would encourage you to pray for one another (see below). Also, here are a couple of brief announcements. We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Blessings,
Patrick + Ivetka

Announcements:

Meditation: "Make every effort to live at peace with all ...see to it that no one misses the grace of God."

Lets live in Shalom with those around us this week so that they won't miss out on the good grace of Jesus!

Prayer & Worship meetings

Every Wednesday at 7:30pm !

More INFO > Prayer & Worship

Men's Breakfast: This Saturday @ 9am. MORE INFO

Kids Ministry: In January the kids will be exploring the Parables of Jesus. I encourage you to review the stories & songs learned with your child during the week - this way it will be "planted" in their little hearts. Last Sunday they studied the Parable of the "Lost Sheep" (Luke 15) and this week will learn "The Prodigal Son." You can follow what the kids are learning, hear songs, see pics, and hop onto other useful links via the CityLight website:Kids Ministry

HELP!: Calling all parents and those who love to serve the kids - we need to have you sign up for teaching Sunday School ASAP for the rest of January & February. All materials will be provided, you just have to do it! Let me know soon. THANK YOU! Respond: patrickivetka@gmail.com

Mike+Heather: Check out their video greetings to all at CityLight. Follow their adventures in Thailand here: MISSIONS Please keep them in your prayers!

Prayer:
1. Melo - prayer for salvation & comfort for their friends Lubo & Edna
2. Danka - Mother: solid salvation, improved relationship with the rest of her family
3. Chad - Open doors to continue his theological education: location, $, all details!
4. Mike+Heather - Trip to Thailand serving with SOLD
5. Aki - Next phase in work (Japan?Spain?Brazil?) God's peace in uncertain times.
6. Kieko - baby to turn, successful delivery in April
7. Tom+Debbie: Safe & fruitful time in USA, donors to renovate the new Youth Center in DNV, safe delivery of their soon to arrive grandchild.
8. Viki & Jacques - perseverance and success in their thesis writing
9. CityLight - us to focus on Jesus, be lead by the Spirit, and glorify God the Father!
10. BA - God to bring many to salvation and use us at CityLight in the process of doing that.

Church Closed

Christmas 09'

This past Christmas was pleasantly peaceful. We didn't really go anywhere or do anything - which is such a change from our normal life here in Bratislava. It was great to remember the coming of Jesus and simply be together.

We had a traditional Christmas meal, but served up with a twist - Christmas Sauerkraut soup, Carp Greek style with tomatoes & walnuts, potato salad with dried tomatoes and Italian spices and lots of sweets.

One Slovak tradition is to start the meal with wafers & honey. I don't know all the meanings behind it, but the wafers are basically the same as what is taken during Communion in the Catholic church (i.e. the Body of Christ). So, Jesus - the Word made Flesh - is celebrated by eating super sized Communion wafers with the sweetness of honey. It is a nice picture.

Another tradition "imported" from Orava is to bless the kids with the sign of the cross ala honey. It's hoped that it will help the kids behave well, be blessed, and healthy in the next year. We should have poured the whole honey jar on theses guys! :)


Gabe and Dave licking off their "blessings" !